By Ingram Osigwe
Chief (Dr.) Jude Ringo Okeke( Mayor Nwakaibie) is the latest proof that good deeds hardly go unnoticed, unrecognized and unrewarded. For his extraordinary passion and love for, and contributions to the development, growth and progress of his beloved home town, Umuoji in Idemili North council area of Anambra state, the Umuoji Improvement Union, U.I.U, Lagos branch will on Sunday, October 25, 2025 recognize Chief Okeke as its Pillar- the Pillar of U.I.U The investiture will be held at Canary World Event Centre, Festac, Lagos.
Like a goldfish that has no hiding place, U.I.U says it would be hard not to recognize and celebrate Chief Okeke’s (Mayor Nwakaibie) strong inclinations towards selfless service to humanity, love and commitment to the collective welfare of people and unwavering commitment to the socio- economic development of Umuoji.
A philanthropist and an industrialist who sits atop several conglomerates, Chief Okeke is the M.D/CEO, Jude Ringo Commercial Enterprises limited, Global Judico corporate Ventures, Jude Ringo investment properties limited and many other business concerns. Mayor Nwakaibie is not new to awards and recognitions but the “Pillar of U.I.U” award stands out.
According to U.I.U, he is a role model whose salutary contributions to humanity cannot be ignored. An U.I.U official has this to say about him: “Chief (Dr) Okeke is a moral, financial and human capacity booster and this can be gleaned from his eagerness to always assist in any field related to progress. For Umuoji, he is indeed a rare gem and a Pillar of progress”
Though a man of means and influence, Chief Okeke is not loud. He is unassuming hence he doesn’t go about trumpeting his achievements and philanthropis. He believes that for every vision,there must be a propelling determination to accomplish such.
Despite his crowded schedules and the competiting attentions of his conglomerates, Chief (Dr.) Okeke still finds time for social and professional activities. For example, he has held several positions in various organization and is also a member of several professional bodies.
He was the President, F.H.A Sport Club Lagos 2006 to 2007, chairman of his immediate community, Dianokwu, Lagos branch 1998 to 2006, 2nd vice president, Umuoji Improvement Union of Nigeria (U.I.U.N) Lagos branch 2006 to 2012, Secretary-General, Indigbo Amaka Progressive Association comprising over 58 major market unions and professionals in Nigeria and dedicated to the enhancement of peace cordial co-existence and improvement within business communities; the mouth piece of traders during interface with the government and governmental agencies, 2019 to 2023, 2014 to 2018.
Chief Okeke was also president, Association of Progressive Traders Nigeria(A.P.T.N) Tradefair complex, Lagos 2010 to 2018, Chairman, Lagos International Tradefair Complex Stakeholders forum, 2014 to 2019, member of Customs Consultative committee of Nigeria (C.C.C) a body committed to facilitation of trade and advancement of cordial working relationship between importers, Customs and government agencies for easy commerce operations,Vice President, Akulueuno International Market Ltd (Free Trade Zone, Enugu), an organisation saddled with the responsibility of building a modern free trade business plaza in Enugu State, 2018 to 2020.
Apart from the Pillar of U.I.U award, Chief Okeke is a recipient of several awards and honours including an an Award in from U.I.U in recognition of his support for human capacity development, an Award from the National amAssociation of Umuoji Students (UNIZIK Chapter), 2009 for philanthropic support, prestigious and visionary Award for Leaders in Lagos state at the celebration of 50th anniversary of the creation of the state, Ambassadorial Award from the Catholic Men Organisation, CMO, Holy Family Catholic Church Festac Town, Innovative Leadership Award by the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, an Award For Empowering the Nigeria SmALL and Medium Scale Enterprises among other numerous awards and honours.
Beyond the shores of Nigeria, it is noteworthy to state too that in recognition of his contribution to the society and humanity, the European and American University of the commonwealth of the Dominica awarded him an Honorary Doctorate Degree oF Arts in Entrepreneurship and International Business (HONORIS CAUSA).
Business associates and admirers of Chief Okeke are expected to grace the event. Chief Cyril Nwachukwu (Mayor Global), (Ichie Nwachinaemelu na Umuoji) will chair the investiture as Guest of Honour.
Royal Fathers of the day are Chief (Dr) Chris Nnaedu (Odezuluigbo), the Regent of Umuoji and Chief Cyril Muoemenam (Chinechendo), PG U.I.U N while Mother of the day is Dr.Nkiru Okeke (Osodieme), President U.I U N, women’s wing, Lagos branch.
A devout Christian of the Catholic faith, Mayor Nwakaibie is a lover of Lawn Tennis and plays good tennis at various clubs including his country home Umuoji. He is happily married to Dr (Mrs.) Nkiru Okeke (Osodieme) and blessed with four lovely children.
– Osigwe, a business development analyst and public engagement and communication strategist, lives in Lagos. He is the MD/CEO, Fullpage Communications Ltd
